EVERTON FC talisman Tim Cahill is winning his battle to be fit for this weekend’s Goodison derby.

Cahill suffered a badly bruised shin after being on the receiving end of a strong challenge from Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany during last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Manchester City.

Everton manager David Moyes was furious Kompany escaped censure for the tackle, with Cahill instead booked and forced to limp off.

However, the Australian, who is Everton’s top scorer in post-war derbies, is responding to treatment and is now expected to take his place in the line-up against Liverpool.

In comparison to Anfield counterpart Kenny Dalglish, David Moyes can call upon a squad rich in derby experience.

But Phil Jagielka, who is poised for his eighth appearance in the fixture, is confident Everton’s new boys will deliver if called upon for the 216th Merseyside showdown.

New signings Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi, along with young trio Apostolos Vellios, Ross Barkley and Magaye Gueye, could all be involved for the first time against Liverpool.

And Jagielka said: “Roy will know about derbies and was at Madrid who have some big rivalries and Denis will pick up on the vibe of it all. I am sure they will be fine.

“But yes, this week does feel a bit different.

“Obviously we have a few Evertonians in the squad, although there is probably the odd Liverpudlian in the building somewhere, but it is always talked about, right from the Monday all the way through to the weekend, and the players do look forward to it.

“The two teams aren’t far apart in the table at the moment but that does not seem to really matter, the derbies are always good to watch for one reason or another and hopefully that will be the same on Saturday.”